We could not complete this first article without giving a brief
description of paleting and of course cleaning your brush.
Paleting is the practice of loading your brush with paint. When
doing so your goal is to load the brush properly, filling the brush
from feral to tip. Taking your clean brush dip it into your paint
cup and then wiping the brush in a back and forth motion on a
smooth flat surface such as a plate or plastic lid work the paint
fully into the brush. The goal is to have a very slight drag on the
brush when pulling through the paint. In some cases it may be
necessary to add a drop of mineral spirits to help thin the paint
just a bit and give a smoother pull. This is a bit difficult to de-
scribe, however, you will learn by doing. A properly loaded brush
will pull even and clean lines without skipping.
Most important is the proper care of your brushes. In your sol-
vent proof container add mineral spirits. Dip your brush in and
move it back and forth gently, occasionally pulling against the
cup rim. Then gently wipe the brush in a shop rag or cloth and
repeat. Once you have most if not all of the color out of the
brush. Repeat with a clean supply of mineral spirits. Press and
GENTLY pull the brush hairs through the cloth to make sure
all of the color has been removed. Before storing your brush
add a few drops of mineral oil or lard oil to a palate and work it
into the brush in the same manner as loading the paint. Pass
through a cloth to remove the excess oil and then store you
brush either in a cloth-lined box or by hanging it upside down.
Don’t use paper to line your brush container; this will draw the
oils from the brush.
Relax and have fun! If you get frustrated, clean up your brush
and take a break. Remember it is not a race and being able to
relax will make things go smoother.”
Until next time
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